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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be on a five-day tour to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23. The visit to the countries is aimed at bolstering the diplomatic relations while addressing the regional issues. 

Singapore will be the first stop for EAM Jaishankar. The discussion will include talks on the South China Sea, the Red Sea, and the overall situation in the strategic waters. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a brief statement on Saturday, stated, "External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at the invitation of his counterparts, will be on an official visit to Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia from March 23 to 27". 

"The visit will focus on enhancing bilateral relations with the three countries, and would provide an opportunity for engagement on regional issues of mutual concern," it said. 

There have been growing global concerns over China's sweeping claims of sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons. Several countries in the region including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei, have counterclaims. 

India and many other democratic countries have been pressing for peaceful settlement of the disputes and for adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea). The defence and strategic ties between India and the Philippines have been on an upswing in the last few years. 

In January 2022, India sealed a USD 375 million deal with the Philippines to supply three batteries for the missile. The supplies of the missiles to the Southeast Asian country are set to begin soon. 

Jaishankar and his counterparts in the three countries may also exchange views on the current situation arising out of the Houthi militants targeting various cargo vessels in the Red Sea and other strategic waterways in the region.